PDKI Calls on the Kurdish People to Support Southern Kurdistan’s Independence Referendum

In a statement, PDKI called on the Kurdish people in eastern (Iranian) Kurdistan as well as the Kurds in the diaspora to support southern (Iraqi) Kurdistan’s independence referendum on September 25, 2017.

In its statement, PDKI emphasizes the legitimate right of the people of southern Kurdistan to determine their own destiny through a democratic and peaceful procedure.

Moreover, PDKI reminds that the Kurdish nation has been forcefully divided between four states since the beginning of the 20th century and that the Kurdish people, like other peoples in the world, is entitled to exercise the right of self-determination.

PDKI also highlights the fact that the political leadership of southern Kurdistan has taken recourse to such a democratic mechanism is in itself significant in view of the politically stagnant and violent mindset that pervades in the Middle East.

More specifically, PDKI calls on the Kurdish people in eastern Kurdistan and the Kurds in the diaspora to support the planned independence referendum in the following ways:

1. From this date until September 25, the people of eastern Kurdistan should take every opportunity to express their public support for the independence referendum. In particular, on the day of the referendum, the people of eastern Kurdistan should raise the Kurdish flag in order to demonstrate to the world that the Kurdish nation in all parts of Kurdistan have solidarity with and support one other.

2. Members of PDKI in southern Kurdistan and in the diaspora should take part in public events in support of the independence referendum.

3. Members of PDKI should use social media to garner support for the independence referendum and organize a petition campaign to that end.

PDKI reiterates in its statement that the Kurds are one nation that has been divided against its will. PDKI also views the gains and successes of the Kurdish people in each part of Kurdistan as achievements for all Kurds.

The independence referendum in southern Kurdistan is the resurrection of the Republic of Kurdistan, established by PDKI in eastern Kurdistan in 1946.